The Brick Project explores the creative potential of bricks, a fundamental yet often understated element of architecture. Focusing on the Groninger brick from the Northern Netherlands, Wubben celebrates its unique qualities derived from locally sourced clay in the Dollard Polder, ideal for precise extrusion due to its greasy texture.
The brick has always been a major fascination for designer Floris Wubben. Bricks are the most used ceramic product in the world, an understated element that shapes much of our architectural environment.
Many bricks are crafted from clay primarily gathered from the vicinity of their production sites, imbuing them with a distinct regional identity. Every brick embodies a particular blend of clay and manufacturing technique, yielding items that exhibit visual consistency while maintaining a tangible sense of locality and uniqueness.
In The Brick Project, Wubben employs hand-built extrusion machines to craft diverse, innovative shapes and large furniture pieces, blending traditional brick construction techniques with modern design. Although the Groninger brick was not historically used in New York, the project is inspired by the shared architectural heritage between The Netherlands and New York, emphasizing the enduring legacy of craftsmanship and creativity in brick-making.
